Tips for Success in Luther Undergrad Classes

Over 300 Laurier students enroll in Luther electives each semester, engaging in course work in theology, spirituality, and human relationships to complement their Laurier degree. 

Luther’s courses invite you to bring your personal experience to the classroom to integrate you into a diverse community of learners. While discussing faith and spirituality can initially feel like a vulnerable thing, our instructors will guide you in re-examining your worldviews and help you to engage in the practice of personal reflection. By the end of term, you will have gained new skills to better understand yourself and your location in a local and global context. 

In some ways, Luther’s courses can be quite different from those specific to Laurier. So, it’s good to know what makes Luther’s classes unique. This is why we’ve provided tips from our Undergraduate Program Coordinator to get you on track to succeed in our classes! 

How to prepare for Luther electives:

Read the Syllabus   
Reviewing the syllabus in detail provides you with a framework to better understand course expectations early on. If you require clarification on any items relating to course materials or assignments, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to ask for guidance. This will help you avoid unwanted stress during the busy weeks of the semester. Remember that all questions are good questions! 

Attending class  
Luther’s class format is built around student interaction. You’ll learn quickly that our classes tend to have elements of small group work and conversation, making them participatory and engaging. Through these interactions, students will be exposed to differing viewpoints and will learn the art of respectful and constructive dialogue. This is why consistent attendance in classes is crucial at Luther. Please come to class promptly on time and having reviewed the weekly materials beforehand. This will help you feel confident when engaging with different topics during your class.  

Bring reflection and experience to your assignments  
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge your views at Luther! We encourage you to bring your full self and your lived experience into course assignments. Much of the learning we do here intersects with human relationships, faith and spirituality, as well as the world around you. When you bring your authentic self and unique voice to your course work, you’ll finish the semester having learned a lot about yourself and will be ready to apply your new skills to your post-university vocation.   

Communicate with your instructors  
Our professors are always happy to answer your questions! You can send an email, book an appointment (online or in-person), or utilize the instructor’s drop-in office hours to discuss readings, assignments, and course content. If there’s ever an emergency, illness, or if you feel that you are falling behind, it is extremely important to inform your instructor about this as soon as possible. We want to see you succeed and are ready to support you, but we can only do that when we are aware of your circumstances. 

Community integration within courses   
Various upper-year classes at Luther integrate elements of community involvement and service. Sometimes this means having guest speakers visit your class to provide specialist insight into community organizations and engagement. Some courses will include components that provide you with volunteer opportunities either on campus or within the wider community. Quite often, you’ll be asked to reflect on these learning and service opportunities in your assignments.   

We have a multifaith approach to learning  
Luther fully embraces a multifaith identity. You do not need to belong to any particular faith group or community to take classes at Luther. However, we hope that you have some questions around spirituality, faith, or community and we remain committed to making a safe space for you to explore such questions here. Luther offers a range of courses that explore Judaism, Islamic Spirituality, Indigenous Wisdoms, Christianity, Asian Wisdom Traditions, and many more. We welcome you to bring your unique perspective into these courses!  

Luther offers a variety of Minors   
Did you know that the courses you take at Luther can be applied toward a Minor? Completing a Minor can help to further elevate your Laurier degree and boost your eligibility to work in various professional fields after graduation. In addition, a Minor designation is beneficial if you are considering applying for further studies after your undergraduate degree. 

Luther currently offers the following Minors:  

• Christianity, Interfaith Dialogue and Community Engagement Minor  

• Human Relationships Minor  

• Judaism Minor  
• Spirituality and Global Music Minor 

Learn more about the course requirements for Luther Minors. 

Preferred entrance to Luther's Graduate Program  
Laurier students taking Luther courses and Minors have preferred entrance into Luther’s highly competitive MA Theology: Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program. Our graduate program prepares students for careers in counseling, chaplaincy, spiritual care, and more.  If you feel passionate about supporting others on their journeys, this might just be a future pathway for you. 

You can find and register for Luther’s undergraduate courses through LORIS by searching for the GC course code. 

Contact for Questions  

Hilla Lahtinen  

hlahtinen@luther.wlu.ca 

Assistant Professor, Christianity, Interfaith Dialogue and Community Engagement  

Undergraduate Program Coordinator